Method of and mechanism for open



M. CHRISTENSEN 21,160,830 ECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THELIKE June 6, 1939.

METHOD OF AND M Filed Sept. ll, 1936 'TSheets-Sheet l INVENTOR MHz/NL/affi'TEA/55N BY ATTOR June 6, 1939. M C||R|STEN5EN 2,160,830

s AND THE LIKE 2 .Tv e e h S S L e e h s 7 METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOROPENING BOOK SIGNATURE Filed Sept. ll,

lNvENToR NAHTJN EHRJSTEWEEN BY /M TTORNEY June 6, 1.939. M. CHR|STEN5EN2,160,830

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE *FiledSept. ll, 1956 '7 Sheets-Sheet /A 7 Z- j- 5 I 33 /5 l 0'/ i y .52

2 A A l l l] l 'ET-"TU I INVENTOR HARK/N [Hmmm/55N ATTORNEY June 6,1939. M. cHRlsTENsEN 2,160,830

METHQD OF AND MECHANIhSM FOR OPENING ESO-OK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKElNvENToR HAREN' [ME75/65N June 6, 1939. l M. CHRISTENEN 2,160,830

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE FiledSept. ll, 1956 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR MHH/V ELA/'HJETHVSEN ATTORNEYJune 6, 1939. M. cHRls-rENsl-:N 2,160,830

` METHOD oF AND NDCHANISN FOR OPENING BooK smNA'ruREs AND THE LIKE lFiled sept. 11, 195e '7 sheets-sheet 6 JAHJYN [HHJETENiEN x J'une 6,1939. M; cHRls'n-:NSEN 2,160,830

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE Filedsept. V11, 193e 7 sheets-sheet` 7 INVENToR ZHWN' .CHHISTENSEN l ATroRNEYPatented June s, v1939 2,160,830

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD or AND MECHANISM Fon OPEN- ING BoonSIGNATURES AND THE LIKE Martin Christensen, Wauwatcsa', Wis.

Application September 11, 1936, Serial No. 100,244

2s claims. (o1. 27o- 53) This invention relates to signature-handlingsure valve mechanisms together with a portion machines, and moreparticularly to a method and s of thev air Circuits. apparatus foropening closed book signatures. Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view onaline 5-5 The primary object of the present invention of Fig. 1, showingsignature guide and conveyor 5- :resides in the provision of new andimproved IneanS- 5=' method and means for automatically opening Fig. 6is an enlarged Side elevational view of closedl book signatures and thelike, a portion of the signature opener mechanism.

A further object resides in the provision of Fig- '7' iS a bottom planView of Fg- 6- new and improved means whereby the desired Fig; 8' is arhorizontal sectionalY view on a line 10,;positionrof the opening in thesignature may be 3 3 ofFig. 6, Showing gate opening mechanism- 10-pre-selected; and. should desire or 'necessity re'- Fig- 9 iS a VerticalSectional View on a line 9`9 quire more than a single opening of thesignaof Figi '6, Showing Vacuum Sheet-engaging ture, the presentmechanism is adapted to effect meanssuch additional openings at anydesired position Fig. 10 iS a top Dian VieW of a modified form in thesignature. of signature opener embodying theV teachings of l5l Y Afurther object lies in the provision of new the nieeSnl'l inVentionandimproved means whereby individual and Fig. 11 is a vertical sectionalview on a line successive sheets of the signature may be en- II-II ofFig. 10 Showing the opener mechaniSmS gaged and deected outwardly so asto form the diSDoSed to oneSide of the Signature.

,o desired opening or openings in the signature. Fig. 12 is a verticalsectional View on a line' 20;.: These openings may be on either or bothsides |2|2 of Fig' 10 through ehe Vacuum Sheet of the Center fold of thesignature. engaging member and the conveyor chain.

Another object resides in' the provision of new Fig- 13' is a horizontalSectional View 0h a une and improved vacuum means for eiecting the |3|3of Fg- 11 looking uDWaIdly and Showing y individual and successiveopening of sheets from the Complete set of rotary vacuum Sheet-engag-25..-

the outer face or faces of the signature. f ihg memhefsl Another ObjectHes in the provision of new and Flg. 14 is a horizontalI sectional Viewon aline improved pressure means adapted to in... Of lil. lookingAdOWllWa/lcuy and ShOW" ject a jet of air onto the leading edge of thesiging the Signature c0nYeY01- nature to be Opened, in a manner which WmFig. 1'5 ls an elevational view of a portion of 30 facilitate theoperation of the vacuum. means for the blOWeY ha? ShOWh ih Fig 12-effeeting the Opening of the Signatura The embodiment of the presentinvention Another Object lies in the provision of means shown in Figs. 1to 9 inclusive in the accompanyadapted for manual manipulation to rendersehg drawings illustrates a sghature'hehdhhg lected vacuumsheet-engaging means inoperamachine embodying the new and improved Sig35? tive for the purpose of. determining the number nature openermechanism of the present invenof sheets to be Withdrawn or Openedoutwardly tion. The machine comprises a base I0 upon from the signatureVso as to position the signa.. which are mounted a plurality ofvertically disture opening between the desired sheets of the DoSed framemembers II. A conveyor'chain I2V 40 signature.

other objects and advantages will become be raised or lowered in anySimple manner'by apmanifest from the following description ofilluspropriete mechanism (not Shovvm- A plurality trative embodiments ofthe present invention. of guide baiS ll are mounted in Pairs and Vertinthe drawingszcally spaced above the conveyor and to either i Figure 1 isa side elevational viewv of a signa-l Side fof the Safne- The lOWoI lWoloaIS |4diS- 451 ture-handling machine, showing the opener posed aboveand to each side of the conveyor I2 mechanism or the present invention.are adapted to be swung about appropriate piv- 2 is a verticalisectional View on a line 2 2 ots when the track I3 is elevated toaccommoo'f Fig. l, showing the vacuum signature opener date Signaturesof diielent depthS- A bar I5 is guidedfor movement in a track I3 whichmay 40g- 501 actuatingrnechanism. is fixedly mounted to the framemembers YII by 50..

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view on a line 3-3 meanS of Suitablevbrackets I6- ThiS bar I5 ol Fig. 1, showing mechanism for effecting theserves to support the opener mechanisms to be opening of gate members.hereinafter more specifically described. Arplu- Fig. 4 is a horizontalsectional view on a line rality of bracketsv Il are anchored in spacedI'e- 4-4 of Fig. 1, showing the vacuum and -preslationship along the barI5. These brackets are 55- provided with ears I8 disposed on either sideof the bar I 5. The ears I8 are provided with bores through which hollowshafts I9 are rockably mounted. A plurality of vacuum. picker members2li are fixed to the hollow shafts I9 in spaced relationship along thesame. These vacuum picker members swing with the hollow shaft I9 throughthe action of segmental gears 2l and 22, each of which is fixed to oneof the parallel shafts I9. The gear 22 is provided with an arm 23. Aconnecting link 24 has one end fixed to the arm 23 and extendsdownwardly through a suitable journal 25 and has its lower end connectedto one extremity of a lever arm 26. The other end of the lever arm 26 ispivotally mounted on a bearing bracket 2'I xed to the base Ill. A camfollower 28 is mounted intermediate to the ends of the levery 26. Thiscam follower 28 cooperates with a cam 29 which is xedly mounted on alongitudinally extending shaft 30 which forms one of the driving shaftsof the machine. The cam follower 28 is normally urged toward and kept incontact with the cam 29 by means of a coil spring 3| which surrounds thelink 24 and extends from the fixed abutment 25 to an adjustably xedcollar 32. As the shaft 3B is rotated the link 24 raises and lowers toeffect an oscillatory movement of the arm. 23, which in turn istransmitted to segmental gear 22 to segmental gear 2I, thereby effectingpartial rotation of the hollow shafts i9 in opposite directions. As theshafts I9 rock in one direction, the sheet-engaging members 20 willswing outwardly from their normal sheet-engaging position.

A hollow shaft 33 is also journaled for longitudinal movement in thespaced anchoring blocks I'I. Movement of this hollow shaft is effectedfrom a cam 34 which is also xedly mounted on the drive shaft 3E! of themachine. A cam follower 35 is mounted intermediate the ends of a lever36, one of which is pivotally mounted on a bearing bracket 3l while theother end is connected to suitable linkage 38 to one end of a lever arm39. This lever arm 39 is fixed to a stub shaft 4!) which in turn isjournaled in a bracket @I secured to a frame member II. The otherextremity of the stub shaft l! has anchored thereto a link il throughwhich motion is imparted to the hollow shaft 33 through a connectinglink 42 which in turn is fixed in a bracket 43 anchored on the hollowshaft 33. As the cam follower 35 rises, its movement overcomes thenormal action of coil spring M and the link 3B moves upwardly. Upwardmovement of this link effects a 'forward movement of the hollow shaft 33through the linkage just described. As the shaft 33 moves toward theright (as shown in Fig. l) movement is imparted to a plurality of cammembers IIE which are xedly mounted in spaced relationship along theshaft 33. The `cam members 45 are provided with wedge-shaped lowerportions 5, the opposite faces of which contact the rollers 4'! whichare rotatably mounted on gate members d8. The gate members are mountedfor movement on vertical pins 49 which extend downwardly through theears I8 formed on the block members Il. A pin 50 serves to retain thegate members in a proper position on the pins. It will be noted fromFig. 8 that these gate members are mounted in pairs and that the camrollers lill are retained against the portion 46 of the members 45 bymeans of a spring tension bolt 5l which passes through a slot connectionin each of the members 48. When the hollow shaft 33 is moved to theright, the

gates i8 are forced outwardly by the action of the cam members @5. Theoutward movement of the gates d8 is synchronized with the outwardmovements of the vacuum sheet-engaging members 2Q for a purpose to belater more specifically described. A plurality of-guide plates 52 aremounted on supporting blocks Il and on centering blocks 53. These guideplates are provided with outwardly turned lower flanges which increasein width from the right hand end to the left hand end of the plates.

A vacuum pump 54 is mounted on the base ID and driven in any approvedmanner (not shown) A pipe connection 55 connects the vacuum pump with avalve body 56 in which a valve plunger 5".' is sldably mounted. Thevalve plunger 5l is normally urged into contact with a cam 58 which isalso mounted on a drive shaft 3E) of the machine. As the cam 53 rotates,the valve plunger 5l is reciprocated so as to effectintermittentconnection between the vacuum pump 54 and the hollow shafts i9 through apair of suitable pipe connections 59 which extend from stub pipes 6] inthe casing 56 to nipples Si on fittings 62 which is mounted on thehollow shafts I9. Through the connections just described, it will benoted that when the valve plunger 5l is in one extreme position, thepump 5d will be drawing in its supply of air through each of the vacuumsheet-engaging members Eil, and this condition exists when the members2E) are in the position shown in Fig. 2 and the full line showing inFig. 9. When the vacuum sheet-engaging members have been withdrawn tothe extreme position shown in dotted line in Fig. 9, the plunger 5l willcut off the connection between the pump and sheet-engaging members andthus release contact betweenthe sheet-engaging members and the signaturewhich is being opened.

A pressure pump 62 is mounted on the base I0 and also driven in anyapproved manner (not shown). This pump is provided with a connection 53which leads to the valve body 56 and communicates therein with a valveplunger 64 which is normally urged into contact with a cam 65 mounted onthe shaft 30 adjacent the `cam 58. Similar pipe connections 66 lead fromthe plunger bore up to the hollow shaft 33, and when plunger 61% is inone extreme position air is forced from the pump 32 through the valveand pipe connections 65 to the hollow shaft 33, from which it isdischarged through suitably spaced orifices 6l which are positionedapproximateiy directly above the Vacuum signatureengaging member 20.

The conveyor chain I2 is driven from the drive shaft E@ through suitablechain and sprocket connections 68, a shaft 69, bevel gears 'I6 and lI,and thence through a Geneva movement generally designated as l2, shaft73, and a suitable chain sprocket 'M which engages the conveyor chainl2. A plurality of guide and gripping members 'i5 and 'I6 respectivelyare supported in spaced relationship along the conveyor chain Signatures'il are fed into the machine by any appropriate signature feeding means(not shown), in such a manner that the lower or folded edge of thesignature is gripped between the members l5. As the conveyor is moved ina step by step movement by means ofthe Geneva drive, the signaturesprogress from station to station along the opener mechanism. As thefirst signature leaves the first opener mechanism,V the vacuumsignature-engaging members Contact the upper left hand corner portion ofthe outer sheet ofthe Signature. The vacuum means becomes. eifeetivethrough action ofthev valveplunger 51: and the outer sheet is; dra-wninto contact with al vacuum cup '|y8 mounted on the lower extremity.^ ofthe',

member 29T et. this. point in the Cycle, the cam 29| effects a: rockingmovement of the hollow shaft I9.Y an: @anvardiyy direction;- and theseized Sheet will move from beneath the leading corner of;

the platte 5.2i to. a position outside of the same..

Simultaneously with the n'lovernentA ofthe-vacuum sheet-eng-,agingmeans, the cam 34 will` effect movement of the cam members 45 in adirection which will causetheoutward or spreading movement of the gates48. After the members 29 and 4.8 have been swungr to their outer extremeposition, the vacuum connection with the members 29. is:V broken and;both members 29 and 48` move inwardly.y to an; intermediate positionwhere they 1 dwell fora portion of the cycle. During the dwell f,channel in which it isv passing, between thev adjacent plates 2; It willbe noted at this point that as the signature travels from the firstposition to the onel just described, the outer sheet which was bentoutwardly under the actionof thel rst sheet-contacting member has riddenalong the lower hanged` portion- 52 and along the lower flanged: portion1-9 of the member 48 to a position wherein it will lie outside of thesecond vacuum sheet-engaging member 29. This action is repeated afterthe second sheet is withdrawn from the channel lying between the plates52- and again after the third sheet has been withdrawn therefrom so thatas the signature passes through the four sets; of sheet-engagingmembers', each pair will normally remove the two outer sheets so thatthey will pass outside of the succeeding pairs of vacuum sheet-engagingmembers. The vacuum sheet-engaging members'are each provided'V withpetcocks 89- which may be manually operated to render individual vacuum`sheet-engaging members active or inactive as desired. In this manner, asingle sheet may be withdrawn from either side or any desiredA number ofsheets may be withdrawn to provide one or more openingsl in thesignature between any pre-selected pages thereof,

A modified form of theY present invention is shown in Figs.. to 15inclusive. In this form `ofthe invention the conveyor is constantlymoving and the sheet-engaging members are rotatable. The openermechanisms are mounted between a pair of vertically disposed framemembers which are mounted upon a suitable base (not shown) but similarto that indicated in the other form of the invention. Hood members I5are supported between the frames and carry the opener mechanismillustrated in the present form. A pair of hollow shafts I9 aredisposedI adjacent the hood l5" and pass through bosses 8|. which forman integral part of the hoods. A pluralityl of stub shafts 82v extenddownwardly from. each section of the hood I 5' and carry mating gears 83and 8.4'. Gears 83 are each provided with an extended arm portion 29which constitute the vacuum sheet-engaging members.

These arms 29 are preferably iixedly mounted to the-gearsl, or may beformed integral therewith. Each arm 29' is provided with a passageway 85which registers with a passage 86 formed through thegears 93. Avalvemember 81 which is mounted inthehood l5' is provided with an axialbore 8,8 which is4 adapted to register with the orice 89 in the gear 83upon each revolution of theA gear.` The.- upper end of the shaft orvalve body 81 is4 provided with a knurled knobV 99 having a dependingskirt which in turnl is provided with an ear 99: adapted to registerwith a groove 9| formed in4 the member l5'. When it is desired to cut oicommunication between the passages 88 and 89, the k110b99 may beraisedand the valve 81.- rotated: slightly so that the ear 99 rests upon theface of the casting I5. When this valve adjustifient has been made, anorifice 9| formed in the side of the valve body 81 will be moved out ofregister with a passage 92 in the member I5 and thus out offcommunication between the passages 88 and 92. The passage 92 registerswith a port 93 in the hollow shaft I9'. The hollow shafts |9 areconnected together by a fluid conduit which in turn is connected to asuitable vacuum pump in a manner similar to that described in the otherform of the invention.

A sha-ft 39:', which constitutes one of the driven shafts of themachine, is provided with a gear 94 which meshes with an idler gear 95to transmit a rotary motion to a gear 96 xed to a shaft 91:. The'otherend of the shaft is provided with a bevely gear 99A which meshes with amating gear 99A which is xedly mounted on a shaft |99. The shaft |99 haskeyed thereto one of the gears 83 and thus rotation of the shaft 39 willeffect rotation of all of the shafts of all of the gears 83 and 8.4,. Itis to be understod that a companion shaft 3,9 serves to drive the gears83 and 84 in the opposite bank of openers 29.

A conveyor |9| is positioned beneath the openers 29 and is supported byposts |92. The conveyor |9| is trained about suitable sprockets |93whlchare rotatably mounted in plates which are provided with flangedmarginal portions adapted to support the conveyor chains I9 I. Thechains |9| are-driven through sprockets |93, which in turn are mountedon shafts |94 which extend upwardly and terminate in the casting I5. Agear |195 is xedly mounted to shaft |94 adjacent its upper extremity.This gear |95 meshes with an idler gear |96 which is also in mesh with agear 83. Thus the chain will receive its continuous driving movementthrough gears 83, |96, |95, shaft |94, and sprockets |93.

A plurality of sheet-defleoting members 52 are mounted in spacedrelationship along a groove |91 disposed longitudinally along theforward face of the hood I5. The sheet-deilecting members 52.

arel DO Sitioned adjacent the path of travel of the vacuumvsheet-engaging members 2 so as to form an abutment means which willdirect the defleife'd sheet in a path'rearwardlv and below the nextsucceeding signature-engaging member 29'. The members 52 may be providedwith signature'- slitting knives |98 removably attached to the forwardend of the members 52'. These signature slitter blades may be appliedand utilized in the instance where the `signature is of the closed endtype,

jv A pair of blower bars |99 are mounted on brackets H9-which inturn aresupported on plates H'l. f The barsv |99 are angularly disposed withrespect to afvertical plane and lie in spaced relationship parallel tothe path-of travel of a signature passing through the opener mechanisms.Each bar H39 is provided with a plurality of passages H2 which extendthrough the bar |09 and are in communication through tubes H3 with afluid pressure pump such as described in the preceding form of theinvention. The air supply for each passage i l2 is controlled by aseparate valve means so that a blast of air is directed obliquelyagainst the leading edge of the signature as it approaches the adjacentvacuum signature-engaging member 2'.

The operation of this modified form of the signature openers is similarto the operation of the first described form insofar as the sheets areengaged and bend outwardly in succession, beginning with the outmostsheet of each signature. Signatures are delivered to a conveyor I2' inspaced relationship from any suitable signature feeding mechanism.Abutments formed on the conveyor i2 serve as impelling means to effectprogress of the signature through the opener mechanisms. As in the otherform of the invention, the signatures are guided between a plurality ofpairs of bars iii' so as to retain the signature in upright positionduring its course of travel past the opener device. As the signatureprogresses in the direction of the arrow through Fig. ll., the outersheet on one side of the signature is contacted by the rotating vacuumsheet-engaging member 25. Valve means similar to that previouslydescribed becomes operative at this instant and a vacuum is establishedin the passage 85 of the signature-engaging member 20. With thesignature-engaging member in contact with the outer sheet of thesignature and the vacuum operative, the outer sheet of the signature isbent outwardly away from the remaining sheets in the signature in thepath of the rotating signature-engaging member 20. The vacuum is cut orffrom the member 20' after the same has rotated through a portion of itstravel. By this time the entire signature has advanced to the pointwhere the leading edge of the signature abutment means 52 has alreadyentered the opening formed between the outer sheet and the next adjacentsheet so that the outer sheet has now been displaced a suiiicientdistance to prevent contact or interference with the operation of thenext succeeding vacuum sheet-engaging member 52 in the series on oneside of the machine. As the signature passes the second opener, the sameoperations are performed and the second sheet will then lie adjacent theirst sheet and the s ignature will then progress to efect the removal ofsucceeding sheets as the signature is carried past successivesignature-engaging members. The identical series of operations will besimultaneously effected by the second series of openers disposed at theother side of the path of travel of the signature. In the event that allthe vacuum signature-engaging members are active, four sheets will beremoved from each side of the signature and the openers will thus effecta single central opening in a sixteen-page signature. In the event thatit is found desirable to effect openings in other positions in thesignature, the same may readily be obtained by raising individual knobs89 and effecting partial rotation of vthe valves 8'! to blockcommunication in the vacuum line from the pump to the individual openers20. In this manner, the desired number of sheets may be bent outwardlyfrom either or both sides of the signature and the opening or openingsmay be obtained in any pre-selected position, or between any desiredpages of the signature. Where only a single sheet is to be opened fromeither side, the last three openers in that particular series should berendered inoperative; where two sheets are desired to be bent outwardlyto effect an opening between pages 4 and, or 12 and 13 only the last twoopeners in that particular series should be rendered inoperative. As thesignature is progressing past the signature-engaging members 25 andsheetdeflecting members 52', it is periodically exposed to a blast ofair from passages H2. This blast of air is preferably directed againstthe leading edge of the signature as it approaches the successive vacuumsignature-engaging members so as to facilitate the separation ofindividual sheets by the vacuum signature-engaging members. In order tofurtherv facilitate proper opening of the signatures, the auxiliaryconveyor chains lill provide a gripping action on the signature toretain it in rmposition during its travel past the openers. Theseauxiliary conveyor chains IGI also facilitate the operation of slittingthe signature in the event that slitter blades Hi8 are fixed to themembers 52.

It will be understood from the preceding description that a new andimproved signature opener has been provided wherein signatures may beprogressed past opener mechanisms in either intermittent or constantmotion, and thatv the signatures may be opened in one or morepre-selected places by the deflecting movement of successive sheets ofthe signature, beginning with the outer-- most sheet. It will also beunderstood that the vacuum signature-engaging members may be eitherxedly or rotatably mounted in accordance with the teachings of eitherembodiment of the present invention disclosed in the accompanyingdrawings. The provision of manually operable means serves to provide asimple and effective manner for ready adjustment of the machine so thatthe signatures may be opened in desired places.

While no specific mention has been made of the disposition of the openedsignatures, it is to be understood that they may be conveyed from thisportion of the machine to either a stiitcher or insetting machine.

While the invention has been described in considerable detail in theforegoing specification, it is to be understood that various changes maybe made in its embodiments without departing from or sacricing any ofthe advantages hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

l. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising aplurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequenceto one side of the signature to be opened, means for applying suction tosaid sheet-engaging members, means for progressing said signature pastsaid sequence of sheet-engaging members so that the leaves of thesignature commencing with the corresponding outer leaves aresuccessively engaged and open outwards, and fluid pressure meansdisposed adjacent said suction members adapted to project a jet of aironto the leading edge of the signature.

2. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising aplurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequenceto one side of the signature, means for applying suction to saidsheet-engaging members, means for progressing said signature past saidsequence of sheet-engaging members so that the leaves of the signaturecommencing from the outer leaves are Cil successively deflected outwardsfrom the center fold of the signature, and fluid pressure meansdispos'edadjacent said suction members adapted to project a' jet of aironto the leading edge of the signature. l

3. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising aplurality of rotatable sheetengaginfg suction members arranged insequence to one side of the signature to be opened, means for applyingsuction to said rotary sheet-engaging members and means for progressingsaid signature past said sequence of rotary sheet-engaging members sothat the leaves of the signature, commencing with the correspondingouter leaf, are successively engaged and opened out- Wards.

4. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising aplurality of rotary sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequenceto one side of the signature to be opened, a second series of rotarysheet-engaging members arranged in sequence to the opposite side of saidsignature, Ameans `for app-lying suction to said rotary sheetengagingmembers, and means for progressing saidV signature past said sequence ofsheet-engaging members so'thatthe leaves of the signature commencingfrom the outer leaf are successively deflected outwards from the centerfold of the signature.

5. YMeansfor opening a closed signature or the like, comprising aplurality rof rotatablefsheet-engaging suction members arranged insequence to one side of the signature to be opened, means for applyingsuction to said rotary sheet-engaging members means for progressing saidsignature past said sequence of rotary sheet-engaging mem- V bersSlo-that the leaves ofthe signature commencing with the correspondingouter leaf rare successively engaged and opened outwards, and fluidpressure means disposed adjacent said suction members adapted to projecta jet of air onto the leading edge of the signature.

' Y 6'. Means forY opening a closed signature or the like, comprising aplurality of rotary sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequenceto one side of the signature to be opened, a second 'series' ofrotarysheet-engaging members arranged in sequence to the opposite side of saidsignature, means for applying suction to said rotary sheetengagingmembers, means for progressing said signature past said sequence ofsheet-engaging members so that the leaves of the signature commencingfrom the outer leaf are successively deviiect'ed outwards from thecenter fold of the signature, and fluid pressure means disposed adjacentsaid suction members adapted to project a jet of air onto the leadingedge ofthe signature.

7. A method of automatically opening a closed signature or the likewhich comprises signature impelling means and a series of movablesignature-engaging means adapted to selectively enl gage anddeflectindividual sheets of the signa- 'ture outwardly toform anv opening inthe signature. Y v

8. 'Means for opening aclosed signature or the like, comprising asignature guideway, means for impelling a signature along saidguidevvay, and a 'series of movable signature-engaging elements.-

disposed adjacent said guideway, said elements adapted to, Vdeiiectindividual-sheets of the signature outwardly to form an opening in thesigna- Y ture.

9. Means for openingaiclosedsign'atureor the 'like comprising asignature guideway, means for f``i`mpelling *a signature along said'guideway, la

'a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individualsignatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, apluralityV of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor,said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, aplurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed to one sideof the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of thesignatures, and means for effecting movementof said suction members insynchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby saidsheet-engaging suction members successively contact the -outer sheet ofeachladvancing signature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deectthe outer sheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening in thesignature.

l1. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted tomaintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movablesheet-engaging suction members disposed on each side of the path oftravel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, andmeans for effectingfmoveme'nt ofsaid suction members in synchronism withthe advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suctionmembers on each side of the signature successively contact the outersheet of each advancing signature, withdraw from the signature andthereby deflect the outer sheet on each side from the remaining sheetsto form an opening in the signature on each'side of its center fold.

12. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyoradapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposedk adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted tomaintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of pairs ofrockable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides ofthe path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of thesignatures, and means for eifecting movementof lsaid suction members insynchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby saidsheet-engaging suction members on each side of the signaturesuccessively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature,withdraw from the signature and thereby deiiect the.

outer sheet on each side from the remaining sheets to form an opening inthe signature on each side of its centerV fold. 4

13. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted toreceive andl support a suc- Ythe signatures in upright position,aplurality offV CFI movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed toone side of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upperedge of the signatures, means for eiecting movement of said suctionmembers in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby saidsheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet ofeach advancing signature, withdraw from the signature and therebydeflect the outer sheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening inthe signature, and a fixed sheet-deflecting element lying adjacent eachof said movable suction members, said xed element adapted to contact andretain the deflected sheet out of contact and interference with theoperation of the next succeeding movable suction member.

14. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted tomaintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movablesheet-engaging suction members disposed to one side of the path oftravel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures,means for effecting movement of said suction members in synchronism withthe advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suctionmembers successively contact the outer sheet of each advancingsignature, Withdraw from the signature and thereby deect the outer sheetfrom the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature, a fixedsheet-deflecting element lying adjacent each of said movable suctionmembers, said xed element adapted to contact and retain the deectedsheet in open position, a movable gate member adjacent said fixedsheet-deflecting element adapted to move and retain the deiiected sheetout of contact with the next succeeding movable suction member, andmeans for moving said gate member.

15. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor1 adapted toreceive and support a succession or individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted tomaintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movablesheet-engaging suction members disposed to one side of the path oftravel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, avacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuum source with saidsheet-engaging suction members, and a valve mechanism in said airconduit, means for intermittently connecting and disconnectingcommunication between said vacuum source and said suction members, andmeans for effecting movement of said suction members in synchronism withthe advance of said conveyor, whereby said energized sheet-engagingsuction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancingsignature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deflect the outersheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature.

16. A signature opening mechanism comprising, a conveyor' adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted tomaintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rockablesheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the path-of travelVr of-the'signatures, cam means for effecting the ,rockingmovement of said suction membersV in synchronism With the advance ofVsaid conveyor, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuumsource with said sheetengaging suction members, and a valve mechanism insaid air conduit, means for intermittently connecting and disconnectingcommunication between said vacuum source and said suction members,whereby said energized suction members successively contact the outersheet of each advancing signature and Withdraw it from the remainingsheets to form an opening in the signature.

17. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engagingsuction members disposed on one side of the path of travel of thesignatures and adjacent their upper edge, and means for effectingrotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of saidconveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging suction memberssuccessively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature anddeflect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature.

18. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engagingsuction members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of thesignatures and adjacent their upper edge, and means for effectingrotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of saidconveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging members on one side ofthe signature successively contact the outermost sheet of each advancingsignature on that side and deiiect it outwardly'to form an opening inthe signature and whereby the similar members on the opposite side ofthe signature effect the same operation.

19. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plu- Vrality of guideelements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintainthe signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatablesheet-engaging suction members disposed on one side of the path oftravel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, means foreffecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance ofsaid conveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging suction memberssuccessively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature anddeect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature, and a xedsheetdeiiecting element lying adjacent each of saidV rotatable members,said iixed element adapted Vto contact and retain the deiiected sheetout of contact and interference with the operation of the-nextsuccessive rotatable member.

20. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and i above said conveyor adapted to maintain'thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engagingsuction members disposed on deflectin'g element lying adjacent each ofsaid rotatable members, said xed element adapted to contact yand retainthe deflected lsheet out of lcontact and interference with the operationof the next vsuccessive rotatable member.

21.'A'signa'ture opening mechanism, comprising,"aconveyor adapted toreceive and support a vsuccession ofindivi-dual signaturesr in uprightposition, Ymea-ns for vdriving sadP conveyor, a plurv`rality-of guideelements disposed adjacent and above saidl conveyor adapted 'to'ymaintain the signatures in upright position, a vplurality of ro-Ytatable sheet-engaging suction members Vdisposed Von one side of thepath of travelof vthe vsignatures vand adjacent their upper edge, meansfor nism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby effectingrotation ofsaid members in synchrosaid rotatablesheet-engaging suction memberssuccessively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature anddeflect the same outwardly to form an opening inthe signature, and meansfor rendering individual rotatable sheet-engaging members inoperative,Ythereby controlling kthe number of sheets deflected as the signaturepasses through* said signature opening mechanism.

22. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, meansv for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guideelements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintainthe signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatablesheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the path oftravel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, means foreiecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance ofsaid conveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging suction members onone side of the signature successively contact the outermost sheet ofeach advancing signature on that side and deflect it outwardly to forman opening in the signature and whereby the similar members on theopposite side of the signature effect the same operation, and means forrendering individual rotatable sheet-engaging members inoperative,thereby controlling the number of sheets deected on each side of thesignature as it passes through said signature opening mechanism.

23. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support la succession of indivi-dual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatablesheet-engagingsuction members disposed on one side of thepath of travel of thesignatures and adjacent their upper edge, and means for effectingrotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of saidconveyor,

whereby 'said rotatable sheet-engaging suction members successivelycontact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect the sameoutwardly to form an opening in the signature, means for renderingindividual rotatable sheetengaging members inoperative, therebycontrolling the Ynumber of sheets deflected as the signaturepassesthrough said signature opening mechanism, and a fixedsheet-defiecting element lying adjacent each of said rotatable members,said fixed element adapted to contact and retain the deflected sheet outof contact and interference with the operation of the next successiverotatable member.

24. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession vof individual signatures in upright yposition, means for driving said conveyor, a pluralityof guide elementsdisposed adjacent and -above said conveyor adapte-d to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of ro- 'tatablesheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the .pathof travel of the vsignatures and adjacent their upper edge, and

rmeansfor effecting rotation of said members in synchronism with theadvance of said conveyor,

whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging members v on :oneside of thesignature successively Contact the outermost ,sheet of each advancingsignature on that side and deflect it outwardly to form an opening inthe signature and whereby the similar members on the opposite side ofthe signature effect the same operation, means for rendering individualrotatable sheet-engaging membersinoperative, thereby controlling thenumber of sheets deected on each side of the signature as it passesthrough said signature opening mechanism, and a fixed sheet-deflectingelement lying adjacent each of said rotatable members, said signaturesand adjacent their upper edge, a blower bar disposed adjacent the pathof travel of the signature, said blower bar being provided with an oricedirected toward said rotatable members, means for effecting rotation ofsaid members in synchronism With the advance of said conveyor, a sourceof air pressure, an air conduit connecting said air pressure source andsaid blower bar, and means for intermittently establishing sai-dcommunication to direct a jet of air toward the oncoming signature tofacilitate the opening thereof, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging,suction members successively contact the outer sheet ofeach advancingsignature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening in thesignature.

26. A signature opening mechanism, comprising a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable membersdisposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures andadjacent and below their upper edge, means for rotating said members insynchronism with the advance of said conveyor, a sheet-engaging suctionelement on each of said rotatable members, said suction elements adaptedto contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deect thesame outwardly to form an opening in the signature, a vacuum source, anair conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheet-engagingsuction element, and means associated with each of said suction elementsto independently and selectively render them ineffective to open asignature by breaking communication with said vacuum source.

27. A signature opening mechanism, comprising a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality cf guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable membersdisposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures andadjacent and below their upper edge, means for rotating said members insynchronism with the advance of said conveyor, a sheet-engaging suctionelement on each of said rotatable members, said suction elements adaptedto contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect thesame outwardly to form an opening in the signature, a fixedsheet-deiecting element lying adjacent each of said rotatable members,said xed element adapted to contact and retain the deflected sheet outof contact and interference with the operation of the next successiverotatable member, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuumsource with said sheet-engaging suction elementgand means Vassociatedwith each of said suction elements to independently and selectivelyrender them ineffective to open a signature by breaking communicationwith said vacuum source.

28. A signature opening mechanism, comprising a conveyor adapted toreceive and support a succession of individual signatures in uprightposition, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elementsdisposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain thesignatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable membersdisposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures andadjacent and below their upper edge, means for rotating said members insynchronism with the advance of Said conveyor, a sheet-engaging suctionelement on each of said rotatable members, a blower bar disposedadjacent the path of travel of the signature, said blower bar beingprovided with a plurality of spaced orifices directed toward saidrotatable members, a source of air pressure, an air conduit connectingsaid pressure source with said blower bar, said suction elements adaptedto contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect thesame outwardly to form an opening in the signature, a vacuum source, anair conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheet-engagingsuction element, means for intermittently establishing saidcommunication between said pressure source and said blower bar to directa jet of air toward the oncoming signature to facilitate openingthereof, and means associated with each of said suction elements toindependently and selectively render them ineffective to open asignature by breaking communication with said vacuum source.

MARTIN CHRISTENSEN.

